Fans of Munster and Ireland can finally breathe a sign of relief; Peter O'Mahony has signed a three-year contract with the IRFU.
Confirmed | Captain @peterom6 signs an @IrishRugby deal to remain with the province until 2021. 👏https://t.co/s9wFsHfwk0 pic.twitter.com/9M2agzg101
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) December 15, 2017
An extension that will see the flanker represent Munster for the next three years at least, fans of Ireland will be similarly thrilled that one of the world's finest players is staying at home.
Captain of his province since 2013, O'Mahony's 2010 beginning with Munster kick-started a provincial and international career that is of the highest-standard.
Making his Ireland debut in 2012, fears that O'Mahony could depart Munster - and, as a result, Ireland - before the 2019 World Cup.
From an official statement by Munster Rugby, CEO Garrett Fitzgerald stressed his relief that an agreement had been reached:
We are delighted that Peter has signed this IRFU contract that will see him remain with us until 2021. I know the squad and supporters will all be pleased to see our captain, a proud Munster man, commit his future to the province and Irish Rugby. It is always a huge boost when we can retain our home-grown talent and I know all parties have worked very hard in retaining Peter’s services.
Speaking himself about the new contract, O'Mahony was keen to dissuade prior notions that his heart had been anywhere but in Munster for the foreseeable future:
I am absolutely delighted to commit my future to Munster and Ireland for the next 3 years. I’m very proud of where I am from and I am really excited about what we are building down in Munster right now.
Playing for my country is something I dreamed of growing up as a boy, so I cherish each occasion I am lucky enough to take to the field in an Irish jersey. I look forward to building on what has been achieved to date with the rest of the Irish squad and management team.
In a very good day for Irish sport, this news will be the best Christmas present that any Munster Rugby fan could have possibly asked for.
